Death Toll Rises to 41 Following Swiss Alpine Bar Fire
A tragic fire at a Swiss Alpine bar has claimed another life, bringing the total number of fatalities to 41. An 18-year-old Swiss national succumbed to injuries on Saturday at a Zurich hospital, as confirmed by the Swiss public prosecutor. Details regarding the investigation remain undisclosed at this time.
The incident occurred at the Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort shortly after midnight on January 1. Investigators have suggested that the blaze was likely ignited by sparkling candles on Champagne bottles, which came dangerously close to the ceiling. The authorities are scrutinizing whether the ceiling’s soundproofing materials met safety standards and if the use of the candles was permissible. Notably, fire safety inspections had not been conducted since 2019.
A criminal investigation is underway against the bar’s proprietors, French nationals Jacques and Jessica Moretti. They face allegations of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire through negligence. Jacques Moretti was initially placed in pretrial detention for three months by order of the court of compulsory measures in the Valais region but was released on bail on January 23.
Crans-Montana, a prominent spot for international alpine skiing events, is located amidst high-altitude ski runs soaring to almost 3,000 meters (around 9,850 feet) in the Valais region.
